Tips for Residency Classification

The state of North Carolina determines residency for in state or out of state tuition charges via the Residency Determination Service (RDS). Students are required to complete the RDS online interview before submitting an Application. Here are some tips (including a list of documentation you may need) to complete the online interview:

The average RDS online interview may take 15-20 minutes or longer to complete.

You may exit the residency interview and resume later, but you have only 25 days from “start to finish”. If you do not complete the interview (including submission of any documentation) within 25 days, you will be required to start over.

If you have already completed the online interview for another college, you will not have to complete another. Enter your Residency Certification Number (RCN) when prompted on the college Application.

As residency status is determined by the RDS at the state level, Catawba Valley Community College staff are unable to assist applicants with residency issues.

The following checklist will be helpful for enrollment:

Visit STUDENT SERVICES to activate the Application
At least two business days after submitting a CVCC Application, bring your government issued photo ID* to visit with an admissions staff member in Student Services building. This personalized visit is required to activate your Application.

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you wish to apply for Financial Aid and /or scholarships

All degree seeking students should consider submitting the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility. Some programs of study may not be eligible for Financial Aid or Veterans benefits.The FAFSA code for CVCC is 005318.

Note: In compliance with federal regulations, a government issued photo ID is required for all financial aid inquiries.The College is unable to accept a copy of an ID or any kind of photograph/cell phone image of an ID.

Important Note about the Application Process: It takes 24 hours for the online Application for Admission to arrive at CVCC. The entire enrollment process may take several days to several weeks depending on a student's planning and attention to the process.

Important Note about Photo IDs: The most popular form of government issued photo ID is a valid driver’s license. In addition, students may present a NC ID card (from DMV), military ID, current passport or permanent resident card. In compliance with federal regulations, a government issued photo ID is required for all financial aid inquiries. The College is unable to accept a copy of an ID or any kind of photograph/cell phone image of an ID.